“The flight of thousands of Filipinos to Tawi-tawi and Sulu from Sabah shows the gravity of the situation there. I am bothered by reports of abuses allegedly committed by Malaysian police officers against evacuees of Tausug descent on suspicion that they are abetting the so-called royal army of Sulu.”

“Our government should immediately investigate reports of abuses against Filipinos in Sabah. If the reports are proven to be true, the Aquino administration must condemn these human rights violations and act accordingly.”

“The ongoing confrontation and the consequent loss of lives on both sides will not help Malaysia and the Philippines. We appeal to the Malaysian government and the Sulu sultanate to heed calls to peacefully resolve the Sabah conflict.”

 

###

Press Release

March 14, 2013